Your safety is our priority

We know travelling during major improvement works can sometimes feel a little different, especially when stations are busier than usual or layouts have changed. That’s why everyone involved in the work – including the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Network Rail, train operators and station teams – is working closely together to keep you safe and moving. 

Work areas are fenced off, temporary station layouts are carefully planned, and changes to walking routes, platforms and entrances are regularly reviewed, to make sure they are safe, accessible and clearly signposted. 

Our teams are also on site throughout the day, keeping a close eye on conditions and making adjustments whenever needed. We’re doing everything we can to make journeys as safe, smooth and straightforward as possible while these upgrades are carried out.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can help me at the station?  

At many stations, you may see additional staff on duty to support customers, provide directions and offer reassurance during busy periods. 

You may also see Customer Delivery Managers (CDMs) across the route between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. CDMs are there to support customers during both planned and unplanned disruption while TRU work is taking place.


What should I do if there are no staff around or I feel unsafe? 

Your personal safety and wellbeing are important. If you can’t see a member of staff, or you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or unwell, Help Points are in place so you can get the required support you need. 

Help Points are free to use and available at stations. They connect you directly to trained staff who can: 

  • Help if you feel unsafe or unwell 
  • Provide travel information 
  • Support you during disruption or concerns 

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You can: 

  • Use a Help Point 
  • Speak to station or onboard staff 
  • Contact the British Transport Police or the Police in an emergency 

Stations are also monitored by CCTV, helping to keep customers safe and support a quick response if needed. 


Why do I have to stand behind the yellow line? 

The yellow line marks a safe distance from the platform edge to help protect you from: 

  • Passing trains 
  • Train doors opening 
  • Strong air movement from fast‑moving trains 

During improvement works, platforms may change and can sometimes be narrower than usual. For your safety, please stand behind the yellow line until your train has come to a complete stop and the doors have fully opened. 


Do I need to do anything different when I’m using a rail replacement service? 

During improvement works, rail replacement buses may be used to help keep you on the move. Here’s a few things to keep in mind to stay safe and comfortable. 

Please: 

  • Remain seated for the duration of the journey 
  • Wear a seatbelt if one is provided 
  • Follow any instructions from the driver or station staff 

If you’re unsure where to catch your bus or need help transferring, speak to station staff or a Customer Delivery Manager (CDM) if one is available. They’ll be happy to help you get where you need to go. 


What should I know when travelling if I’m a wheelchair user or travelling with luggage, prams or bikes? 

Travelling during update work may involve slightly longer walking routes, temporary station layouts or transfers between trains and buses. 

To help your journey go smoothly: 

  • Allow extra time where possible 
  • Use lifts, ramps or step‑free routes if available 
  • Ask staff for help with routes, boarding or transfers 

Staff on site are happy to assist, especially during busy periods. 

When using rail replacement services: 

  • Bikes are not permitted on rail replacement buses 
  • Please follow any instructions given by staff 
  • On coach services, luggage and prams must be loaded into the storage area by a member of staff or the driver 

Accessibility is very important to us. If you need assistance with your journey, including boarding or transfers, please book help in advance via your train operating company’s website. 


Why are some areas of the station closed off? 

To safely complete improvement work, some areas of stations may occasionally need to close temporarily. This could include: 

  • Entrances or exits 
  • Waiting areas 
  • Platforms 
  • Toilets or other facilities 

We’ll always aim to minimise disruption and provide clear signs or alternative routes wherever possible. 


Why is there more noise than usual at the station? 

Construction and railway improvement work can sometimes create additional noise, vibration or dust around stations and railway lines. 

We work hard to reduce the impact on customers and nearby communities by: 

  • Planning work carefully 
  • Using safety barriers and protective equipment 
  • Completing some activities overnight or during quieter periods to reduce disruption to train services. 

We appreciate your patience while these upgrades are delivered.  


Can I use headphones or my phone while moving around the station? 

Please stay aware of your surroundings when walking through stations, especially where temporary layouts or construction work are in place. 

Try to: 

  • Keep volume levels low to hear announcements 
  • Avoid stopping suddenly in busy walkways 
  • Stay alert near platform edges and crossings 

Where can I find safety updates and travel information? 

Information is updated regularly to reflect changes so please:

  • Look out for temporary signs and notices in stations, especially during engineering works or disruptions 
  • Listen carefully for platform and onboard announcements from station staff and train crews 
  • Speak to station staff or onboard colleagues if you need help or clarification 
  • Check the National Rail website and journey planner for real-time updates, delays, and disruption information 
  • Visit individual Train Operating Company (TOC) websites (e.g. Northern, TransPennine Express) for service-specific updates 
  • Check help points and customer information screens in stations for live travel updates

Useful contacts 

  • British Transport Police (BTP) 
    • Emergency: 999 
    • Non-emergency phone: 0800 40 50 40 
    • Text (discreet reporting): 61016 
    • Website: https://www.btp.police.uk 
  • Network Rail (24hour helpline) 
  • TRU customer feedback and forums 
    • Share feedback, raise concerns or tell us what’s working well via the TRU website and engagement channels